The oldest sporting tradition at Chis & Sid, "Old Seds" 2009" was always going to be very special as for the rugby it was going to be your team playing the current 1st XV. You should have been there to captain it - but Jamie did an amazing job for you and the boys, and the team made us all so proud. Jamie was already planning the kit on his holiday from uni at Christmas 2008 when he came round and showed me some rugby shirt designs that he'd drawn. We decided on the black/purple/white trim, and had them made up in the spring, very cool and tight fitting like the England World Cup winners shape. I chose a slogan for the shirt fronts 'Life is out there'and over the old school badge worn over their hearts was "Old Seds 2009 - Hunty's Boys". We got them made up and Jamie presented them to the players a day or two before Old Seds. By all accounts they loved them although thought they might be a bit tight! On the day they looked so fit and even got wolf whisles when they ran on the pitch so the tight fit was worth it.. The team were scattered all over the country as several were still at uni and others at work - but in the months before the match they trained wherever and whenever possible, and got back to fitness, as they were so determined to win the match for you. Miss Lorsery and the French Department together with Marcus, Henry and others in the 1st & 2nd teams put up posters all round school advertising the match and Mark printed the programmes for which Phil Ubee and Jamie both wrote very touching and inspiring pieces. Well the day dawned and it was beautiful, bright and sunny! Ist April may not have been the most auspicious date but it didn't deter anyone - I have never seen so many people turn up for a school rugby match and even for Old Seds, the crowd was by far the biggest ever. Many parents were there (as this took place on a workday, many excuses must have been given for taking the afternoon off!), as did teachers, the Head, even Mr Rouncefield and Mrs Ford, your Head and Deputy Head when you started at Chis & Sid but who had left the school a couple of years earlier. And so many young people - current students and loads that had left but were back for the afternoon to enjoy the event. Marcus had been asked to play for the 1st XV but he was happy to watch from the touchline with his friends, supporting both sides - he was wearing his new Old Seds rugby top! First the teams lined up for a joint photo in the sunshine, and what was nice was they didn't stay in the two separate teams but mixed up so they were pretty much all united in one team. You should have been there right in the middle of them all.... You know that I've never really understood rugby (Melanie thinks this is very funny as I've been watching it every Saturday for ten years) but I've always loved watching the school matches, and what an incredible game - Old Seds were absolutely determined to win and so of course were the 1st XV. All of us watching were treated to a fantastic match: good natured banter, laughter, tears, fast and furious play by everyone. Towards the end of the second half it looked like it was Old Seds' win - but right at the very last second the 1st XV took a point ahead and the final whistle blew. I know your boys were sorely disappointed to lose by such a tiny margin, but to me and everyone there, they had done you so proud. Then there were more photos on the pitch and the boys presented me with a beautiful bouquet, when the tears I'd held back all afternoon came at last. The teams changed into their suits and afternoon tea was served in the dining hall. Speeches and presentations were made for all the sports that had taken place that day - netball, golf, football, rugby.I was very nervous and emotional but managed a few words of thanks on behalf of the rugby as it had been an incredible day, so uplifting. Always in my mind that day was the thought that it must have been so hard for Jamie and the boys to run out onto that 1st XV pitch, all together again - but this time, without you. But you were in the thoughts of everyone that day. Your team mates and friends wanted so much to win, but what mattered was that they had all given their absolute best in your memory. It was an amazing day. ------------------------------------------- Jamie's piece for the programme: Three years ago, Adam Hunt led the 2005/06 Chis & Sid 1st XV to arguably one of the most successful seasons in the school's history, winning all structured fixtures, doing so with passion for the sport, togetherness as a group and some excellent rugby flair. It is under tragic circumstanes that Adam is unable to lead his side out to face this years XV at Old Seds. Old Seds day is always a stand-out fixture for the rugby team. It is the most physical, passionate and supported fixture for the school. It is normally the last game that the Upper Sixth rugby players will participate in for the school and for the ex-pupils returning, it is a chance to remember all the great memories they had playing sport for the school. Adam was a great captain, loveable friend and an excellent role model for younger players. It is a testament to Adam's memory that the side that represents Old Seds today includes players such as Adam Pursey, Billy Mills and Jolyon Bond, all of whom have not played rugby since our last year but are returning today to play for Adam and the rest of the team. Also a special mention must go to Matthew Floyd, who would have played had it not been for a shoulder operation. Old Seds is always an exciting day and a tradition that the late, greatly respected Noel Horrobin loved. Long may the tradition continue. I would like to thank everyone spectating today, hopefully the weather will be kind and both sides will produce some excellent rugby skills, May we remember all the great memories we have of Adam, now and long into the future. Best of luck to both sides. --------------------------------- Exerpt from Phil Ubee's Welcome on the programme: Today we welcome back to Chis & Sid many of the players who were the key components in what is widely acknowledged to have been the school's best ever First XV rugby squad. Their playing record speaks for itself with 21 wins from 22 games, a fantastic achievement at any level, but exceptional in that it was achieved in the fiercely competitive environment of schools 1st XV rugby. ...To have lost Adam in such a tragic manner impacted greatly on the school community and especially all of those associated with rugby at Chis & Sid. However, the bond that draws players together as team mates and friends is unique in rugby and therefore the sense of loss for the players returning to school today, who had collectively achieved so much with Adam at their forefront, must have been devastating. That so many have made the effort to attend today is their own personal tribute to the memory of an exceptional young man. I